Cherry Barb

A slender copper-red body with a lateral dark line; male display colour varies.

Ordinary adults carry a dark line through the eye towards the tail, above a paler belly. Males become redder in display. Albino, super-red and long-fin forms remain one species.

Adult length

Up to 5 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)

Water temperature

20–27 °C

Lifespan

4–7 years

pH

6–8

Hardness

2–20 dGH

Natural habitat

Inhabits shaded, shallow, slow streams over silt and fallen leaves.

Care for farmed fish may not suit wild stock. Colour strength alone identifies neither strain nor health.